Reliability Metrics From Two Decades of Indian Ocean Moored Buoy Observation Network

Abstract

AbstractOver the past two decades, the Indian Ocean moored surface buoy observation networks have expanded in the spatiotemporal domain and technologically matured with system reliability, availability, cost optimization, and precision measurement of meteorological and oceanographic parameters as the key targets. Based on the return of experiences in the development, operation, and maintenance of the moored buoy observation networks over two decades, this paper for the first time summarizes the reliability metrics achieved by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)-operated moored buoy networks, the healthiness monitoring interval implemented to achieve the highest level of on-demand reliability, the methodologies adopted to ensure highest possible system availability, and data returns. The tsunami buoy network with two buoys and the meteorological buoy with cyclone tracking sensors are found to have a mean time between failure of 1.27 years and 0.5 years, respectively. The identified performances provide a baseline for defining the technical improvement targets, identifying alternate technologies, incorporating redundancies, cost optimization, and maintenance planning. The approach serves as a reference for reliability assessment and integrity management of similar moored buoy ocean observation networks and for evolving standards for oceanographic systems.